Anime has risen in popularity the last few years.
If you’re looking for anime recommendations on what shows to watch, you could start with these classic and long-standing shonen anime series.
My Hero Academia (2016 – )
In a world where superpowers (Quirks) are commonplace, a timid boy named Deku dreams of becoming a hero despite being quirkless.
When he inherits a powerful quirk from a legendary hero, he enrolls in a prestigious hero academy and starts his journey.
Praised for its inspiring story, well-developed characters, and exciting superhero action sequences, this is a great show to watch if you enjoy live-action – aka television and marvel-esque (before Disney ruined it) – centric storytelling.
Attack on Titan (2013 – 2024???)
Attack on Titan has become one of my all time favorite anime and Manga series.
Despite how it supposedly ended (I have question marks placed above because I seriously do not believe the story is over just yet, Isayama is working on something…), it holds a special place in my heart and I still think about it far too much. Maybe that’s because I believe we are getting a “School Castes” OVA before the series “officially” comes to a close but for now…a brief synopsis:
A dark fantasy story set in a world where humanity lives within walled cities to defend themselves from giant humanoid creatures called Titans.
The story follows Eren Yeager and his friends Armin Arlert and Mikasa Ackerman who dedicate their lives to fighting the Titans after a devastating attack on their home.
Renowned for its intense action, suspenseful plot twists, and deep exploration of human nature this show will have you questioning whose side your on by the end of Season 3.
Visit the Attack on Titan section of my blog.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009 – 2010)
An oldie but a goodie.
I saw this way back when it came out so I can’t remember all of the details, but I’ve been meaning to do a rewatch for months now. Especially since I found my FMA:Brotherhood homunculus hoodie I brought from Hot Topic forever ago recently while cleaning out old clothes.
Synopsis? Alchemist brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric attempt to bring their deceased mother back to life through alchemy, a forbidden practice in their world. This act leads them on a dangerous quest for knowledge and redemption.
Not to mention, the restoration of young Al’s body – which went missing during the ritual.
Considered one of the greatest anime of the early 2000s era, the show is praised for its intricate plot, well-balanced character development, and perfect blend of action, adventure, and tender moments.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019 – )
Everybody likes Demon Slayer, and everybody likes talking about how the child Nezuko looks like a woman when changed into her demon form.
Not really my cup of tea but it’s popular so it made the list.
Here’s the synopsis:
Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted young boy, finds his life shattered when a demon slaughters his entire family except for his younger sister Nezuko, who is turned into a demon herself. Tanjiro becomes a demon slayer to find a cure for his sister and avenge his family.
Praised for its stunning animation, intense fight scenes, and emotional underlying story about the importance of strong family bonds.
Naruto (2002 – 2007)
Ironically, I actually enjoy Naruto Shippuden more than the original series. But it’s a classic and member of the Big 3 in Anime, so I have to add it here.
(We don’t talk about Boruto around here, only the special Boruto episodes that feature the original Naruto cast, flashback specials, or Naruto character-centric Boruto OVAs.)
Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous orphaned ninja child that enjoys wearing a bright orange jumpsuit on missions with a chaotic centuies-old demon fox sealed within him, strives to gain the respect of his peers and become Hokage of the Leaf Village.
The story chronicles his journey, obsessive friendships, the Art of Talk-no-Jutsu, and the challenges Naruto faces alongside his comrades.
A classic shonen anime known for its large cast of memorable characters, exciting ninja battles, and themes of perseverance, eating ramen noodles for emotional support, and The Power of Friendship.
One Piece (1999 – )
The final member of the Big 3 and one show I have refused to watch, for whatever reason. Maybe if there was nothing else to watch in this world, I would attempt to begin the 1,000+ anime series…
Monkey D. Luffy, a boy inspired by a legendary pirate, embarks on a journey to become the King of the Pirates. He forms a crew and sails the Grand Line, an ocean filled with danger and adventure, searching for the legendary treasure ‘One Piece’.
The longest-running shonen anime, One Piece renowned for its vast world-building, quirky humor, and dedicated fandom that stay enthused despite already seeing over 333 hours of this story, in counting.
Hunter x Hunter (1999 – 2001) (2011 – 2014)
Almost every adult male around a certain age has surely watched Hunter x Hunter. And they will most likely let you know at some point in your friendship, whether you asked them or not. Seriously.
Youngin Gon Freecss dreams of following in his father’s footsteps and becoming a Hunter, or a licensed treasure seeker in their world. Gon takes the Hunter Exam and embarks on a journey that will test his limits and teach him the true meaning of friendship.
Appreciated for its captivating story arcs and unique powers (or “Nen”) displayed by characters by male viewers in their early 30s everywhere.
Bleach (2004 – 2023)
Another member of the Big 3 in anime and the second classic shonen series I devoted a large chunk of my adolescent years to after Naruto.
Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager named after a strawberry with the ability to see spirits, gains the powers of a Soul Reaper after encountering wounded Soul Reaper Kuchiki Rukia. Now, below average high school student Ichigo must fight to protect humans from evil spirits and send good spirits to the afterlife.
A popular shonen known for its stylish sword-wielding action, out of pocket cast of characters, and supernatural elements.
The story is almost finished with the anime adaptation premiere of Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War after the series had an almost indefinate hiatus.
Jujutsu Kaisen (2020 – )
Another show I have not watched despite the hype and that I primarily associate with why certain Attack on Titan Season 4 scenes looked like crap due to Mappa animators spending more time on Jujutsu Kaisen and animating Gojo’s dreamy blue eyes.
Here’s the synopsis:
Ordinary high school student Itadori Yuji swallows a powerful cursed object in the vein of a finger of Sukuna Ryoumen – a King of Curses.
Now, empowered by the curse and facing execution, he joins a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers to learn to control his newfound power and eventually exorcise the curse entirely.
Praised for its dark fantasy elements, well-animated fight scenes that kept Mappa employees from seeing their families for months at a time, and a blend of action and horror story elements to keep things interesting.
InuYasha (2000 – 2004)
I remember watching this show late at night or during the early morning hours on adult swim while in middle school. There was a recent sequel series about Kagome and InuYasha’s daughter that came out called “Yashahime“, although from my understanding the two people we actually care about were literally ‘missing’ for most of the series.
Here’s what the original Inuyasha series is about:
InuYasha follows a modern day girl named Kagome who is transported to feudal Japan where she meets the titular half-demon, Inuyasha.
Together, they eventually assemble a beloved crew of characters and embark together on a quest to find the scattered shards of the powerful Shikon jewel, while battling demons and forming life-long bonds along the way.
The show is filled with action, comedy, and supernatural elements as InuYasha and Kagome struggle to prevent the Shikon jewel’s evil power from falling into the hands of Naraku.
So, have you watched any of these classic shonen anime? Any suggestions on what we should cover next?
Note: Dragon Ball Z will be in another list with other classic anime series.
Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, I’d love to hear from you! Also be sure to follow us for more anime recommendations!
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